Rice tight end Luke Willson named to Mackey Award watch list

Luke Willson was second on the team with 313 receiving yards last season. (Nick de la Torre/Chronicle)

For the second consecutive season, Rice senior Luke Willson has been named to the preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award, presented annually to college football’s top tight end.

Willson was an honorable mention All-Conference USA selection last season, finishing with 29 receptions for 313 yards and three touchdowns. He was drafted by the Toronto Argos in the fourth round of the Canadian Football League draft in May.